Heather makes some very good points! There are many snowballs out there that need our help.

1927. CONCERN ABOUT KATRINA FIND PETS
by cynar, 9/6/05 15:42 ET
Following today's coverage featuring the Best Friends group, their site server crashed from the number of people trying to access it. Right when they needed donations and people were needing help, too.
I was concerned that coverage of Snowball by Fox would divert energy and resources from comprehensive pet rescue by those on the ground. I wrote the following to Jean Jones, who set up the reward site for Snowball:

Hi, Jean,

I've been following the Snowball story since the original AP report on Thursday. I've also closely monitored the on-the-ground reports from the animal rescue groups and the nola.com Pet Rescue Board.

While I share and applaud your concern, I am extremely worried that the video stills you have on your site ARE NOT SNOWBALL. The AP report ddi NOT have a photo. The video is from an NBC report, and did not accompany the Snowball story.

I think the very worst outcome of this whole thing would be to tell the little boy that his dog has been found *and present him with the wrong dog.*

I know that the Louisina Humane Association is saying they found Snowball, BUT IT IS VERY POSSIBLE THEY FOUND THE DOG FROM THE VIDEO, AND THAT THAT DOG IS A DIFFERENT DOG FROM A SIMILAR, TRAGIC INCIDENT.

Therefore, I would ask that you absolutely verify with the Associated Press and with NBC that the video is of the Snowball incident.

The AP reporter had asked what would happen to Snowball, and the police replied that animals were being shut in a stairwell of the New Orleans Center, A NEARBY SHOPPING MALL.

On Sunday, the Humane Society rescued about 40 animals from the SUPERDOME. I am not sure if these included the animals shut in the stairwell.

The main thing I urge is that, while out hearts are all broken over this one story, we not forget that there are thousands of "Snowballs" who are loved just as much but did not get any press. Rather than divert all of the animal rescue efforts to one dog, and take their time and attention from operations on the ground, I would ask that you trust that everyone is VERY AWARE of this particular story, is doing all they can, and that the very best thing animal lovers can do right now is CONTRIBUTE MONEY FOR THE FULL PET RESCUE RATHER THAN CREATING A HUGE REWARD FOR ONE DOG.

Fox News did an animal rescue story, and the best website for donating and information promptly crashed because of all the interest.

1945. These Numbers are to Volunteers
by cristy11, 9/6/05 16:19 ET
After talking to the volunteer for a long time, she was very caring, she transferred me to a female cop. I just spoke to the female cop and she said their main concern is to rescue humans not, animals. I told her that the people that rescue the animals, are not the same that are rescuing the humans. I told her that was a very insensitive excuse. She was very nasty and wouldn't let me speak, she kept shutting me up. She did give me a number to call she said the number is for the OEP? I don't know who they are, but I beg everyone to call them.. 225-925-7500 Also call the volunteers number and ask the volunteer to connect you to a police officer.

Here is some information that I hope will help people who had to leave their pets behind.

1947. ANIMAL RESCUE INFO
by brumzoo, 9/6/05 16:22 ET
spoke with my good friend, Dez Crawford who is assistant director of East Baton Rouge Parish Animal Control. This is the info she gave me:If you have left an animal behind, call 225-578-6111. It is open 24 hours.

You will need to leave your name, a call back number, the physical address where the animal(s) are, zip code where they are, how many animals, what type, physical characteristics, spayed/neutered, if they are chipped, and where they are in the house.

If you left your pet at a boarding facility or vet clinic, go to LSU Parker Coliseum and the Lamar Dixon Center to see if your pet is there. LSU Parker Coliseum has animals from evacuated vet clinics. It also has owned animals that came with their own animals and don't have a place to keep them. They also have animals that Good Samaritans picked up on their way out of NO from the side of the road.

Lamar Dixon is housing animals that have been rescued by emergency personnel. Dez asks that you check both places several times as this is an ongoing process.There are rescue groups are working as I type this and they have been down there for a few days. There is a plea for Animal Control Officers and vet techs from all over the country to come help do house to house searches in NO and other parishes affected by Katrina. I am going to try to go next weekend or the weekend after next. I have to check my work schedule.
I hope this helps.

So is anyone else thinking of donating any money to any animal rescues. Even a dollar or two helps. 100 single dollars donations is $100.00.
While we must think first of our fellow whites we can also think of our four little 4 footed friends who give us such unconditional love. I urge you all to donate even a couple of bucks to a human society .

For people who have horses that need to be rescued here is info for you.

1948. rescuing equines
by vcrary, 9/6/05 16:22 ET
Sandy Marx in Crowley, part of equine rescue volunteer group in Lafayette LA, is working on coordinating transportation for rescued horses - trailering relays to hook up with offers of shelter.
e-mail her [email protected] or me at [email protected] to relay information.